Dementia & Driving Resource Center

Driving demands quick reaction time and fast decision making — because of this, a person with Alzheimer's will eventually become unable to drive. Dealing with the issue early on can help ease the transition.

Watch how four families deal with different issues related to dementia and driving.

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A Supportive Conversation:Frank has early stage Alzheimer's and the doctor said it's no longer safe for him to drive. His wife doesn't drive, but knows it's time to discuss finding alternative transportation.Full Screen

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A Bump in the Road:Cindy lives out-of-state and is visiting her mom, Renee, who's had some fender-benders. Cindy talks with her mom about having her driving evaluated and other options to get around town.Full Screen

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A Plan in Place:Janet is in the early stages of younger-onset Alzheimer's. She's doing well now, but realizes that eventually she'll have to stop driving. She talks with her family about a plan for the future.Full Screen

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A Close Call:Martin has early stage Alzheimer's and hit a parked school bus today. No one was seriously hurt, but his partner, Dan, recognizes that Martin must stop driving — for everyone's safety and well-being. Full Screen

Having the conversation

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Losing the independence driving provides can be upsetting. It is important to acknowledge a person's feelings and preserve his or her independence, while ensuring the person's safety and the safety of others.

Starting the conversation

Initiate a dialogue to express your concerns. Stress the positive and offer alternatives.

Reinforce medical diagnoses and directives. Ask the physician to write a letter stating that the person must not drive. Or ask the physician to write a prescription that says, "No driving." You can then use the letter or prescription to reinforce the conversation.

Consider an evaluation by an objective third party.

Understand that this may be the first of many conversations about driving

When the conversation does not go well
Some people give up driving easily, but for others this transition can be very difficult. Be prepared for the person to become angry with you, due to the memory and insight issues that are part of Alzheimer's.

Be patient and firm. Demonstrate understanding and empathy.

Acknowledge the pain of this change and appeal to the person's desire to act responsibly.

Ask a respected family authority figure or your attorney to reinforce the message about not driving.

If the conversation does not go well, do not blame yourself. The disease can impair insight and judgment, making it difficult for people to understand that their driving is no longer safe. Also the disease can cause mood and personality changes that make reactions more pronounced.

As a last resort, take away the car keys, disable the car or remove the car completely. When you do any of these things, be sure to provide safe, reliable alternative transportation.

We Can Help

Each situation is unique. What works for one person may be different from what works for another. You can get the information and support you need from the Alzheimer's Association.

Learn the facts about driving safety.

For people in the early stages of Alzheimer's, it is never too soon to plan ahead for how you will get around when you can no longer drive. Putting a plan in place can be an empowering way to make your voice heard.

Tips for planning ahead

Remember that each situation is unique. What works for one person may be different from what works for another. You can get the information and support you need from the Alzheimer's Association at 800.272.3900.

Involve family and close friends in the plan.

Confront resistance. Empathize with those who are uncomfortable having the conversation and stress the importance of preparing for the future.

Develop an agreement for all to share that includes practical safety steps, such as a periodic driving assessment, a GPS monitoring system for the car, and alternate transportation options.

Transportation options

Sign a driving contract.

A driving contract allows you to share directions for what you would like to happen when you can no longer drive.

Signs of unsafe driving

Determining when someone can no longer safely drive requires careful observation by family and caregivers. The following list provides warning signs that it's time to stop driving:

Forgetting how to locate familiar places

Failing to observe traffic signs

Making slow or poor decisions in traffic

Driving at an inappropriate speed

Becoming angry or confused while driving

Hitting curbs

Using poor lane control

Making errors at intersections

Confusing the brake and gas pedals

Returning from a routine drive later than usual

Forgetting the destination you are driving to during the trip

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Driving evaluation

At the earliest stages, a person with Alzheimer's disease may begin to have difficulty with complex tasks such as driving. Although family and caregivers can watch for signs of unsafe driving, a proactive strategy would be to get a comprehensive driving evaluation by an occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialist. The evaluation provides a more objective understanding of the current impact of the disease on driving capacity and results in a plan of options. The goal is always to retain the highest level of independence and mobility in the community. Initial recommendations may include strategies to reduce driving risk during the early part of the disease. The occupational therapist can offer strategies specific to the individual's goals and needs. The American Occupational Therapy Association website includes a national database of driving specialists as well as a wealth of resources for both persons with Alzheimer's disease and their families.